Sportsmans Pond Dam Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 12, 2025

Sportsmans Pond Dam in Athol, Massachusetts, is a private recreational dam completed in 1898, with a height of 12 feet and a capacity of 650 acre-feet.


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Summary

Situated on a tributary of the West Branch Tully River, this earth dam serves primarily for recreation purposes, offering a serene 0.15 square mile surface area for water enthusiasts to enjoy. Despite its age, the dam is regularly inspected and maintained, with a satisfactory condition assessment as of November 2016.

Owned by a private entity, Sportsmans Pond Dam is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation, ensuring that safety standards are met. With a significant hazard potential due to its location, the dam has a moderate risk assessment rating, emphasizing the importance of proper risk management measures in place. While the dam lacks certain federal agency involvement, its state-regulated status guarantees ongoing oversight and enforcement of any necessary modifications to maintain its safety and integrity for the surrounding community and environment.

Water resource and climate enthusiasts will be intrigued by the history and significance of Sportsmans Pond Dam, as it stands as a testament to early 20th-century engineering and the importance of maintaining aging infrastructure for both recreational and safety purposes. The dam's proximity to the West Branch Tully River tributary and its controlled spillway design add to its appeal as a vital component of the local watershed ecosystem. As climate change continues to impact water resources, the maintenance and regulation of dams like Sportsmans Pond Dam become increasingly crucial in safeguarding communities against potential flooding and other related risks.

Year Completed

1898

Dam Length

213

Dam Height

12

River Or Stream

TRIBUTARY OF WEST BRANCH TULLY RIVER

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

0.15

Hydraulic Height

10

Drainage Area

1.38

Nid Storage

650

Hazard Potential

Significant

Foundations

Unlisted/Unknown

Nid Height

12
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.